Jasmine Strings

Tuesday, September 3, 2019

SUBMITTING PROPOSAL FOR CREATION OF TAMIL NADU MUSIC AND FINE ARTS UNIVERSITY TO FORMER/LATE HON'BLE CHIEF MINISTER OF TAMILNADU J.JAYALALITHA IN HER CHAMBERS (SECRETARIAT)

The month of March, 2012...SecretariatWhile adjusting the files and folders gingerly on my lap I ran and reran all the important points in my mind for the umpteenth time - points vital in convincing CM for the creation of an exclusive University for music and fine arts. Seconds rolled heavily into minutes. I vaguely observed the rich furniture as the freezing temperature in the wood pannelled room increased my nervousness. I shivered, wishing somebody would adjust the temperatures in the split air conditioners in the room. There was the usual hub of voices of partymen and other visitors talking in respectful whispers as the wall clock ticked audibly. Uniformed staff of the catering service moved about silently serving coffeee and snacks.The room door opened swiftly and a group of officials walked in hurriedly towards me. There was a sudden hush as whispered conversations around me stilled instantly. I knew it was my turn and my heart skipped a beat.A man came forward to hasten me, " Madam..." Before he could finish his sentence I stood up hastily holding on to my files and folders.Smiling a bye at the other visitors in the room I walked fast behind the group of men as they led me to the huge closed doors of CM's chambers.Top brass of the police department, ruling party members, photographers with cameras, media persons and bureaucrats stood in attendance around the doorway and a few smiled at me by way of greeting me. I looked around anxiously for my bouquet which was taken away for security check ."Where's my bouquet?" I asked a security officer. Before he could reply a hand reached out my bouquet to me while the CM's chamber doors opened wide. A sudden flurry of activity took place as photographers and media persons hurriedly entered CM's chambers to take their respective places. Tense looking officials rushed towards me and hastened me , "please go, please go...." another voice whispered, " Don't take too long, please finish quickly" I was stung by the unfriendliness in his voice, as I was slowly getting used to jealousy and spitefulness due to my position under Amma's rule. I gave him a sharp look and he backed off.In no time I was in front of Amma, her brilliant complexion and charisma taking my breath away as usual. She smiled warmly, her eyes shining with love and affection for me. " Please come, please come...." She said in her characteristically loud and clear voice. I moved hastily towards her and handed her the bouquet. Smiling, she took it from me and asked me to face the photographers for the customary photo session. Flashes went off instantly after which the media persons were led out of the chambers.Amma gestured towards her table and I seated myself opposite her. "So, how have you been?" She asked me in her striking voice, looking confident, happy and supremely self-assured." Fine Madam. I wanted to meet you to request you for something ".She smiled indulgently, as a mother would at a daughter or an elder sister would at a younger sister, " Please tell me".Always feeling encouraged, loved and happy by her affection for me I got up to handover the folders and files which I had prepared with great care for the creation of an exclusive University for Music and Fine Arts." Madam, I request you to create an exclusive and unique university for music and fine arts. You are an exemplary artist and a dynamic leader and it is my ardent wish that this University should be founded by you. This university will cover music and also every other subject that comes under fine arts. The university will provide job opportunities to so many deserving musicians and artists. Tamilnadu is a culturally rich state and the mega December music season that is conducted in Chennai every year is internationally renowned which is why a music and fine arts university should be founded in the city of Chennai. It is my wish that this University should be created by none other than you." I finished my monologue quickly, making best of the time constraint.Amma listened intently and nodded " Hmm.." She quickly ran through the first few pages of a file containing details of various music & fine arts universities all over the world, putting it aside she looked at a couple of other folders that contained supportive documents and material.Keenly watching her I racked my brain trying to find more reasons for an exclusive University for music and fine arts.Amma looked up suddenly, " I can't go through all this now. I will read later."My heart sank low, probably Amma was not too impressed with the idea after all. I leaned forward anxiously determined to press forth my proposal."Actually Madam...."She cut me short, " Done...."I looked at her uncertainly.She smiled at my confusion, " University is going to happen. Concerned secretary will be in touch with you." She added"We will have a detailed meeting very soon."Ringing a bell she summoned a photographer inside to click the action of myself handing over the documents to her. " Let's click this, you are proposing the creation of a university and it should be recorded. It shall be duly announced in the forthcoming assembly." She smiled, her nod indicating that it is time for me leave.I got up feeling dazed. I couldn't believe that Amma had agreed so promptly and readily and that too without any fuss or pomposity for the formation of a Music&Fine Arts University! A slow smile began to spread on my face and I could see that she caught the excitement which was writ all over my face. She laughed and said with soft emphasis, "Very very soon!!"Heady promise indeed! Celebration time!! I promised myself a huge ice cream....Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts University was about to be born!!!!

Founder/ Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts University, Dr.J.JayalalithaTo celebrate the birthday of the Founder/ Chancellor of Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts University I had planned gala events on every 24th of February during my tenure as Vice Chancellor (2013-2015) of Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts University. I needed a catchy name that would describe Amma. I pondered over her birth star 'Makham" and wondered how it would be to call the Festival "Makham". I convened a meeting with the staff of Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts University to finalise the name of the festival. One member of the faculty suggested "JAYAM" . He said it not only indicated Madam's name, it also spelt victory. Instantly liking the sound of "JAYAM" I agreed immediately without a second thought. "JAYAM" is the name coined by a faculty member of Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts University and like he said the festival was a raging success earning me congratulatory notes every year from Amma herself!!